Match Report
Queens prepare today for a difficult game in the Challenge Cup against the current holders, Airdrieonians. The manager, Peter Murphy, has made 5 changes from his last starting 11 that suffered the 1-0 defeat against Inverness. This saw key players like Kieren McKechnie and Benji Luissint start on the bench. The lineup also included Harry Cochrane, who missed the last game due to a suspension which he had picked against Montrose.
The game did not start the way that the Doonhamers would have wanted, with them conceding an early goal in the 7th minute. The goal came from a set-piece 20 yards away from goal which was struck against the strong, 4-man wall and took an unfortunate deflection into the path of Airdrie’s skipper, Adam Frizzel, who precisely headed past Jay Hogarth into the bottom corner of the goal.
The Home side came back with a great response, scoring almost immediately from the kick-off, after Reece Lyon found himself in a great position. However, he couldn’t find the back of the net due to a great save from Airdrieonians’ keeper, Kieran wright.
Queens were persistent, constantly finding themselves in the visitors’ 18-yard box, with notable chances coming from Harry Cochrane’s great set-piece deliveries. However, still no goal.
In the 25th minute a short break is held for a water break due to the warm weather. A rare occurrence for Dumfries.
Peter Murphy’s side’s best chance came in the 35th minute after a powerful strike from Josh Walker rattled the woodwork and came back to Jack Hannah just inside the box. However, the Queens’ defender could not put the ball goal-ward, with his volley attempt being blazed over the bar.
HALF TIME: Airdrieonians 1 Queens 0
It was a quiet start to the second half, resulting in Peter Murphy making an attacking change just over 10 minutes in, replacing the booked Josh Walker for Kyle Doherty in hopes of finding a goal.
Shortly after this change Airdrie saw their lead double through some good football, with an even better finish by Chris Mochrie. The Airdrieonians’ midfielder struck the ball just outside the 18-yard box, burying the ball in the near bottom corner of the net leaving Jay Hogarth flat footed.
Before the game restarts Airdrieonians brought on Rhys Armstrong and Lewis Mcgregor.
In the 68th minute the second and final water stoppage occurs and sees the introduction of Benji Luissint and Kai Kennedy for Reece Lyon and Pharrell Willis.
It goes from bad to worse for the home side as Airdrieonians get their third goal in the 71st minute through a quick counterattack with substitute Lewis Mcgregor driving forward, taking the ball round the Queens’ keeper Jay Hogarth and passing it into the back of the net.
In the 85th minute Queens had a big chance to grab a consolation goal through Benji Lussint. However, his effort from the top of the box was blasted over the bar.
The game finishes 3-0 with the Doonhamers crashing out of the 3rd round of the challenge cup. They face Arbroath at home next week, hoping to bounce back from the loss.
FULL TIME: Airdrieonians 3 Queens 0